Jan 10, 2024

Louis Joseph César Ducornet's 218th Birthday



This Doodle celebrates French artist Louis Joseph César Ducornet, a renowned painter in the 1800s who paintedsolely with his foot due to limb differences from birth.

Ducornet was born with a phocomelia, which causes malformations in one’s arms and legs. Ducornet didn’t have arms or a left leg but had four toes on his right foot. Ducornet’s father carried him around throughout his childhood since he couldn’t walk. After picking up a piece of charcoal with his toes, Ducornet began experimenting with sketches. This started a lifelong passion for painting.

After becoming a proficient illustrator, Ducornet attracted the attention of local schools and artists. He received training and the government provided him with a pension so he was able to study under renowned painters in Paris. Early in his career, he focused on biblically-inspired pieces such as Repentance [1828] and St. Louis administering Justice. The Lille Museum features both paintings to this day.

Ducornet’s disability prevented him from earning awards through the Prix de Rome, a French scholarship foundation. However, he did earn several awards from the prestigious Salon d’Art. In 1840, he painted Mary Magdalene, which the French government purchased. He followed up with one of his most famous works — a self-portrait of him painting with his foot. His historical scenes and portraits continue to grace some of the most storied art museums.

Happy birthday, Louis Joseph César Ducornet!